Current Course Offerings

BIOL-100 Fundamentals of Biology (4 credits)
Course for non-science majors that explores fundamental concepts of biology and relates them to social issues. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors. Fall, spring, summer.
BIOL-107 General Biology (4 credits)
Course for health science majors that introduces basic principles of cell biology, metabolism, genetics, molecular biology, and evolution. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Fall.
BIOL-110 Clinical Microbiology (3 credits)
Introduces microorganisms and includes isolation, pathogenicity, serology, identification, ecology, and the significance of microorganisms to humans. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Credit not applicable for professional biology majors. Spring
BIOL-112 Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
Introduces basic anatomy and physiology using a systems approach. Emphasizes cells, tissues, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors. Same as Exercise and Sport Science 112. Fall.
BIOL-113 Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
Continues the study of topics covered in Biology 112 and includes the endocrine, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, urinary, and digestive systems. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors. Prerequisite: Biology 112 with a grade of C- or better or permission of the instructor. Same as Exercise and Sport Science 113. Spring.
BIOL-118 Modern Biology: Environmental Perspectives (3 credits)
Gives biology majors foundational knowledge and skills for subsequent courses in the major. Seminar style course introduces environmental topics by exploring ecological, societal, and ethical issues surrounding the relationship of humans to their environment. Prerequisite: Freshmen admission to the biology or environmental sciences programs or permission of the chair of the Department of Biology. Spring.
BIOL-119 Introductory Bio: Molecular Perspectives (4 credits)
Course designed for students majoring in applied biology, professional biology, biochemistry, neuroscience and clinical lab science. Introduces basic principles of biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, and their relevance to modern society. Four hours integrated lecture and lab.
BIOL-120 Introductory Biology: Organismal Diversi (4 credits)
Provides an introduction to the major groups of living organisms, with an emphasis on their structure, function, and evolutionary relationships. Four hours of integrated lecture and lab.
BIOL-199 Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
Lectures, discussions, or special laboratory topics not covered in regular course offerings. Provides greater depth to topics of special interest or explores rapidly changing areas in biology. May be repeated. Prerequisites announced when specific topics scheduled.
BIOL-201 Human Genetics and Society (3 credits)
Discusses human genetics and its relation to social issues. Credit not applicable for biology majors or minors.
BIOL-215 Field Botany (3 credits)
A study of mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants, including identification, morphology, and ecology. Field study involved. May be taken twice for credit if the field sites are different. Summer.
BIOL-220 Biological Perspectives on Sex & Gender (3 credits)
Through readings and class discussions, this course will examine our understanding of sex determination, reproduction, and the evolution of sex and gender in animals, including humans. We will explore the complexity of gender diversity among animals and the roles of genetics, development, anatomy, and physiology in defining sex, gender, and fertility. Subject matter will cover sex assigned at birth and gender identity, including intersex and transgender. We will also critically evaluate misconceptions regarding the use of biology in sociopolitical discussions of sex and gender identity. Prerequisite: Gender and Women's Studies 101, Biology 119, Biology 120, or Biology 107, or permission from instructor.
BIOL-225 Horticulture (3 credits)
A study of the growth, development, and technology involved in the production, maintenance, use, and marketing of horticultural plants and products. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-255 Phage Genomics (3 credits)
Designed to provide students with an authentic experience in scientific research. In this course, students will annotate the genome of a novel bacteriophage from the environment. Students will also learn about the use of bacteriophages in research, industry, and medicine. Class meets for three hours combined lecture and lab each week. Prerequisite: Biology 119 or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL-299 Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
Lectures, discussions, or special laboratory topics not covered in regular course offerings. Provides greater depth to topics of special interest or explores rapidly changing areas in biology. May be repeated. Prerequisites announced when specific topics scheduled.
BIOL-305 Microbial Ecology (3 credits)
Concerned with the wide range of microorganisms that exist and their roles in the environment. Concentrates on the following areas: (1) microbial environments; (2) detection of microbial activity; (3) impact of microbial activity on the environment in terms of nutrient cycling and pollutant fate; (4) detection and control of pathogens in the environment; (5) bioremediation (includes risk assessment and environmental biotechnology). Three hours lecture, field studies at sites that utilize microbes (e.g., sewage treatment plants, fermentor facilities). Prerequisite: A 100-level biology course with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-310 History of Life (3 credits)
A study of major events in the history of life from the origin of life some four billion years ago to the extinction and speciation episodes that have resulted in the variety of organisms that occupy the planet in more recent geologic time. Prerequisite: A 100-level biology course with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.
BIOL-315 Ethnobotany (3 credits)
Examines the intimate connection between plants and human society. It is integrative in that it includes information from botany, chemistry, archaeology, anthropology and history. Topics covered will include agriculture, genetically modified crops, medicinal plants, plant secondary compounds and psychoactive plants. The goal of the course is to provide students with a better understanding of the importance of plants and plant products to human civilization. Students will gain experience in reading and summarizing scientific articles and books.
BIOL-320 Evolution and Ecology (4 credits)
Introduces principles and concepts of evolution and ecology, with emphasis on the intricate and intrinsic relationship between these disciplines. Examines mechanisms of evolutionary change and interactions of organisms, populations, and communities of organisms within their environment. Addresses how these interactions occur, what effects they have on the functioning of natural communities, and how they influence the evolution of populations and species. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisites: BIOL 118 with a grade of C- or better. Fall.
BIOL-322 Biological Physics (3 credits)
Introduces biophysical methods from a physics perspective and discusses the application of these methods toward research questions in biology. Topics include biomolecular structures, structure determination and simulation, and molecular motors. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Mathematics 221; Physics 121 or 210. Same as Physics 322.
BIOL-323 Tropical Ecology of Costa Rica (3 credits)
Provides a detailed understanding of the natural history and ecology of Costa Rica, including the identifiable features of many plants and animals of Costa Rica. Designed primarily for biology and environmental studies majors, the course develops writing and presentation skills, while also framing student learning in an ecological and conservation context. The course culminates in a trip to Costa Rica (~ 2 weeks); the trip component of the course helps to solidify student learning through experiential learning. Two hours lecture, field trip to Costa Rica. Prerequisite: Biology 118 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL-331 Genetics (4 credits)
Fundamental principles of inheritance in animals, plants, and microorganisms with emphasis on molecular genetics. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 119 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Recommended: Biology 120 with a grade of C- or better. Fall, spring.
BIOL-333 Animal Behavior (3 credits)
Provides students with an understanding of the four major questions in animal behavior as originally outlined by Tinbergen. We will explore aspects of physiology, development, genetics, ecology and evolution that help us understand behavior and frame these questions in a modern context. Three hours lecture, field studies. Prerequisite:Biology 120 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL-340 Cellular and Molecular Biology (4 credits)
Covers the principles of eukaryotic cell structure and function and the molecular bases of cellular processes. Topics will include: macromolecules; energetics; membranes; cellular organelles; gene expression; signaling; cell division; DNA replication; RNA and protein synthesis and processing; and molecular aspects of immunology, cancer and recombinant DNA technology. The course will build on the survey knowledge from the required prerequisite courses. Three hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisite: BIOL 331 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL-345 Drug-Target Interactions (3 credits)
Examines how various classes of pharmaceutical drugs interact with their cellular targets at the molecular level to elicit specific responses. The course will build on the knowledge from the required prerequisite courses. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Biology 331 with a grade of C- or better, or permission of instructor.
BIOL-350 Vertebrate Zoology (4 credits)
Emphasizes the taxonomy, comparative morphology, behavior, and life history of vertebrates. Three hours lecture, three hours lab, field studies. Prerequisite: Biology 120 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring.
BIOL-399 Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
Lectures, discussions, or special laboratory topics not covered in regular course offerings. Provides greater depth to topics of special interest or explores rapidly changing areas in biology. May be repeated. Prerequisites announced when specific topics scheduled.
BIOL-414 Plant Diversity (4 credits)
Studies the identification and classification of local vascular plants. Herbarium collection required. Three hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 120 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-415 Biostatistics Computational Biology (4 credits)
Explores biological systems using quantitative biological models. Application of statistical tools, numerical data sets, and computer-based techniques to test hypotheses, create predictive models, and interpret results and patterns. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 320 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.
BIOL-423 Ecology (4 credits)
Examines how organisms interact with each other and with their environment. Addresses the physical environment and the way physiological adaptations organisms have evolved to exploit it, population dynamics, interactions between species populations, biogeography, and environmental issues, especially those that relate to the impact of humans on the ecology of natural populations of plants and animals. Three hours lecture, three hours lab, field studies. Prerequisite: Biology 320 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.
BIOL-425 Developmental Biology (4 credits)
Studies the cellular, genetic, and molecular interactions of animal development. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 331 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-427 Animal Physiology (4 credits)
Studies the normal functions of animal organs and systems. Topics include metabolism, transmission of nerve impulses, reproduction, and effects of hormones. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: Biology 119 or 120 and Chemistry 240 with a grade of C- or better; or permission of instructor. Fall.
BIOL-430 Microbiology (4 credits)
Covers general principles of bacterial growth and activities. Three hours lecture, four hours lab. Prerequisite: Biology 119 with a grade of C or better; or permission of instructor. Recommended: Biology 120 with a grade of C- or better. Fall.
BIOL-434 Parasitology (4 credits)
Studies the nature of parasitism with respect to morphology, physiology, and host parasite relationships. Three hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: Biology 119 or 120 with a grade of C- or better; or permission of instructor. Fall, alternate years.
BIOL-441 Cancer Biology (3 credits)
Covers the principles of cancer, including the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and metastasis, tumor classification, treatment approaches, and recent advances in cancer research. The course will build on the knowledge from the required prerequisite courses. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Biology 331 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-442 Immunology (4 credits)
Studies cellular and molecular aspects of the immune response. Two hours lecture, two hours lab. Prerequisites: Biology 119, 120, 340 and Chemistry 240 with a grade of C or better; or permission of instructor. Spring, alternate years.
BIOL-450 Evolution (3 credits)
Addresses a variety of topics related to evolutionary biology, including the history of evolutionary thought, evolution of sex, group selection, speciation, phylogenetic systematics, coevolution, and molecular evolution. Three hours lecture. Prerequisite: Biology 320 with a grade of C- or better or permission of instructor. Recommended: Biology 119. Spring,alternate years.
BIOL-455 Genomics in Research & Medicine (4 credits)
Examines current tools and techniques in genomics research and discusses applications of genomics, especially in healthcare and medicine. Topics include the use of home genomics kits to infer ancestry and predict health outcomes; genomics and personalized medicine; genomics in species conservation and evolution, etc. Students will also use a variety of genomics tools to investigate a novel genomics research problem.
BIOL-460 Special Problems (1-3 credits)
Independent research of a biological problem under the guidance of a faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Repeatable course. Fall, spring.
BIOL-478 Cls Clinical (0 credits)
Clinical Laboratory Science Clinical (0) Credit granted upon successful completion of two semesters of clinical experience and a summer clinical. Prerequisite: Successful admission into clinical laboratory program.
BIOL-482 Biology Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Focuses on interdisciplinary nature of biology problems and circumstances. Involves investigative projects, written reports, presentation of reviews, and integrative book reviews primarily in seminar format. Prerequisites: at least one 400-level biology class.
BIOL-498 Internship in Biology (1-6 credits)
Internships are designed to meet the educational needs of students' professional goals and to provide practical experience in a position relating to a specific area of career interest. Developed by the student in conjunction with a faculty supervisor and site supervisor. Repeatable course.
BIOL-499 Special Topics in Biology (1-4 credits)
Lectures, discussions, or special laboratory topics not covered in regular course offerings. Provides greater depth to topics of special interest or explores rapidly changing areas in biology. May be repeated. Prerequisites announced when specific topics scheduled.

Examples of Special Topics Courses Offered Recently:

  • BIOL-299 Phage Genome Analysis (3 credits)
  • BIOL-299 Biological Perspectives on Sex and Gender (3 credits)
  • BIOL-399 Cancer Biology (3 credits)
  • BIOL-399 Drug-Target Interactions (3 credits)
  • BIOL-399 Epigenetics (3 credits)
  • BIOL-399 Virology (3 credits)